Golf hazard training methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable golf training apparatus for enhancing a player&#39;s skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard includes a substantially flexible base and at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of, and supported by, the base. The first region has a first cross-sectional thickness and the second region has a second cross-sectional thickness. An opening is formed in at least one of the first and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a ball with which the golf training apparatus is used. The player, shooting the ball from an area outside of the golf training apparatus, is assigned a prescribed point value as a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the ball lands.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/882,432 filed on Sep. 25, 2013, the complete disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the game of golf, and moreparticularly to golf training methods and related golf trainingapparatus.

BACKGROUND

Golf has been and remains a highly popular game. Mastering the skillsnecessary to excel in the game of golf has, unfortunately, been ratherdifficult to achieve. As such, various golf training aids have beendeveloped and are commercially available with the objective of improvinga golfer's skills. Conventional golf training aids, however, arenarrowly directed to either improving a player's golf swing when drivingthe ball, or to improving the player's putting game, thus leavingimportant aspects of the golf game (e.g., overcoming course hazards)essentially undeveloped.

For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0248891 toNelson discloses a complex golf swing training apparatus which attemptsto correct a golfer's form and placement in driving as well as putting.The apparatus claims to help strengthen a golfer's swing as well asimprove the timing, rhythm, and positions of the club during the swing.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,659 to Lindberg, Jr. discloses a devicewhereby a golfer may practice and perfect his or her putting stroke withor without a ball and at any location with or without an instructorpresent. The device consists of a relatively thin sheet of mirrorizedtransparent acrylic or similar polymer on which are printed a series ofindicia to provide guidance for stance, eye position and club strokewhich can be viewed by the golfer as he or she is using the device.

While many of these training devices may be helpful in improving agolfer's overall score, such devices are either too bulky or complex forportable use, or fail to improve techniques relating to certain nuancesof the golf game.

SUMMARY

The present invention, in one or more embodiments thereof, provides aportable golf training aid, and methods of using such aid, which areeffective in improving a golfer's skills in surmounting certain golfcourse hazards; namely, sand traps or bunkers. Moreover, one or moreembodiments of the invention implement such training in the form of agame, thereby eliminating the drudgery often associated with practicingand improving one's skills.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a portable golftraining apparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating toovercoming a golf course hazard includes a substantially flexible baseand at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface of, andsupported by, the base. The first region has a first cross-sectionalthickness and the second region has a second cross-sectional thickness.An opening is formed in at least one of the first and second regions,the opening being adapted to receive a ball with which the golf trainingapparatus is used. The player, shooting the ball from an area outside ofthe golf training apparatus, is assigned a prescribed point value as afunction of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the balllands.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a portable golfhazard apparatus is provided for use in conjunction with a golf trainingapparatus for enhancing a player's skills relating to overcoming a golfcourse hazard. The golf hazard apparatus includes a substantially rigidbase having an opening therein for receiving a container adapted to holda material simulating a sand trap, and at least a first base supportattached to a bottom surface of the base. The first base supportincludes a height adjustment mechanism for controlling an angle of anupper surface of the base relative to a surface upon which the portablegolf hazard apparatus is placed.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, a method ofplay for a golf training game includes: providing a portable golftraining apparatus, the golf training apparatus including a flexiblebase, at least first and second regions formed on an upper surface ofthe base, and an opening formed in at least one of the first and secondregions, the opening being adapted to receive a golf ball; placing theportable golf training apparatus at a prescribed distance from a playerof the golf training game; shooting the golf ball by the player of thegolf training game, from an area at the prescribed distance from theportable golf training apparatus in a direction toward the portable golftraining apparatus; and assigning a prescribed point value to the playeras a function of a location on the golf training apparatus on which thegolf ball lands.

Additional and/or other embodiments of the invention are described inthe following written description, including the claims, which is to beread in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are presented by way of example only and withoutlimitation, wherein like reference numerals (when used) indicatecorresponding elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary golf bunker trainingaid, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunkertraining aid shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1-1′, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 conceptually depicts an illustrative configuration for using thebunker training mat shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B as part of an exemplarygaming methodology, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary golf bunker trainingaid, according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunkertraining aid shown in FIG. 3A taken along line 2-2′, according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary portable golf bunkersuitable for use in conjunction with the golf bunker training aid shownin FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B, according to an embodiment of the invention;and

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary portable golfbunker shown in FIG. 4A taken along line 3-3′, according to anembodiment of the invention.

It is to be appreciated that the drawings described herein are presentedfor illustrative purposes only. Moreover, common but well-understoodelements and/or features that may be useful or necessary in acommercially feasible embodiment may not be shown in order to facilitatea less hindered view of the illustrated embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention will be described herein in the context ofillustrative golf training aids, and methods for using such trainingaids, for beneficially improving a golfer's skills in successfullyovercoming a sand trap or bunker. It should be understood, however, thatembodiments of the invention are not limited to the specific golftraining apparatus or methods shown and described herein. In thisregard, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art given theteachings herein that numerous modifications can be made to theillustrative embodiments shown that are within the scope of the claimedinvention. That is, no limitations with respect to the embodiments shownand described herein are intended or should be inferred.

Essentially any golf course requires that players avoid certain hazards(i.e., obstacles). A hazard, as the term is used herein and known bythose skilled in the art, can be broadly defined as an area of the golfcourse that presents an impediment towards progress of the ball towardthe green, thus increasing the number of strokes necessary to reach thegreen. For this reason, entering a hazard is generally consideredpunitive to a golfer. Common hazards used in golf course architecturesmay include, for example, water hazards (e.g., lakes and rivers),man-made hazards (e.g., sand traps or bunkers), natural hazards (e.g.,dense vegetation or rough), and the like.

Even proficient golfers sometimes, albeit rarely, find themselvesentering a hazard when the path of their ball does not travel asintended. Getting out of a hazard once entered requires well-developedskill. While golfers can readily improve their driving skills, forinstance by visiting a driving range or the like, or improve theirputting skills, for instance by using a putting green or the like, thereare limited opportunities for improving one's proficiency in overcominghazards. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are beneficiallydirected to perfecting a golfer's skill in successfully surmounting atleast one type of hazard; namely, bunkers. A bunker, as the term is usedand known by those skilled in the art, can be broadly defined as adepression near the green or fairway that is usually filled with sand,and hence the terms “sand trap” and “bunker” are often usedsynonymously.

FIG. 1A is a top plan view depicting an exemplary golf bunker trainingaid, according to an embodiment of the invention. The bunker trainingaid, in this embodiment, is implemented as a substantially circular mat100 comprising first, second and third regions, 102, 104 and 106,respectively, that are concentric to one another, and an opening 108formed proximate a center of the mat. The opening 108 is adapted toreceive a golf ball with which the mat 100 is played, and is thus sizedappropriately (e.g., a standard size golf ball is not less than 1.680inches). By way of example only and without limitation, in anillustrative embodiment, the first region 102 is formed having adiameter of about six feet, the second region 104 is formed having adiameter of about four feet, the third region 106 is formed having adiameter of about two feet, and the opening 108 is formed having adiameter of about four inches.

Although the mat 100 is shown as having three concentric regions 102,104, 106, embodiments of the invention are not limited to three regions,but may include less than three regions (e.g., one or two regions) ormore than three regions (e.g., four or five regions). In one or moreembodiments, the regions of the mat may not necessarily be concentric.For instance, the mat 100 may be divided into a plurality of regions(e.g., quarters) resembling slices of a pie. Furthermore, it is to beappreciated that, while the mat 100 is shown as being circular in shape,embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific shape. Forexample, an oval-, square-, or rectangular-shaped mat can be similarlyemployed, as will be described in further detail below in conjunctionwith an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Moreover,embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific sizes forthe mat 100, regions 102, 104 and 106, or the opening 108.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunkertraining mat 100 shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1-1′, according to anembodiment of the invention. The mat 100, in one or more embodiments, isfabricated having a bottom supporting layer or substrate 110 comprisedof a substantially flexible material, such as, for example, rubber,silicone, urethane films or foams, or the like. The flexibility of thesubstrate 110 enables the bunker training mat 100 to be rolled up andeasily carried for enhanced portability. A thickness of the bottom layer110 can vary as a matter of design choice, taking into accounttrade-offs such as the desired degree of flexibility and weight. In oneembodiment, a rubber bottom layer 110 is employed having a thickness ofabout one-eighth inch, although the invention is not limited to anyspecific material type or thickness of the bottom layer.

A top surface 112 of the training mat 100 is supported by the bottomlayer 110 and includes the first, second and third regions 102, 104 and106, respectively. The first, second and third regions 102, 104, 106 maycomprise material designed to mimic grass or dirt, such as, for example,artificial turf, carpet (e.g., polypropylene, polyester or nylonfibers), and the like, and can be colored appropriately (e.g., green).The first, second and third regions 102, 104, 106, in this embodiment,are attached to the bottom layer 110, such as with an adhesive, oralternative process (e.g., heat bonded) known in the art. The thicknessand type of material used for each of the first, second and thirdregions 102, 104, 106 are not critical. Moreover, the respectivecharacteristics (e.g., thicknesses, pile, surface textures, types ofmaterial, surface hardness, etc.,) of the first, second and thirdregions 102, 104, 106 need not be the same. In the embodiment shown, forexample, a cross-sectional thickness of the first region 102 is lessthan a cross-sectional thickness of the second region 104, which in turnis less than a cross-sectional thickness of the third region 106,although any configuration of thicknesses of the regions can besimilarly used. For instance, in one or more embodiments, two or more ofthe regions have substantially the same thickness.

In one or more embodiments, one or more characteristics of an uppersurface (e.g., texture, pile, etc.) of the first region 102 is differentrelative to corresponding characteristics of an upper surface of thesecond region 104, which in turn are different than correspondingcharacteristics of an upper surface of the third region 106, such that amovement (e.g., speed and/or direction) of the ball is affecteddifferently as a function of the particular region(s) over which theball travels. In this manner, the training mat 100 can be advantageouslyused to develop a player's skill in anticipating and overcomingobstacles which result in differences in ball speed and/or direction.

In order to catch and hold the golf ball once it passes through theopening 108, a cup 114 or similar container (e.g., basket) may beoptionally employed. The cup 114 can be fixedly or removably attached tothe top surface 112 and/or bottom layer 110. In one or more embodiments,the cup 114 is formed having a lip or rim (not explicitly shown butimplied) along a circumference of its top edge which prevents the cupfrom passing completely through the opening 108 when inserted throughthe opening from the upper surface of the mat 100. The cup 114 can beformed of essentially any material or shape, either rigid or non-rigid,which is able to contain the ball after passing through the opening 108,such as, for example, plastic (PVC), wood, fabric/netting, etc.

The mat 100, when used as part of a bunker training methodology, ispreferably placed on the ground in a substantially horizontal (i.e.,flat) position, and serves as a target for the ball. In an illustrativeembodiment, the mat 100 is adapted for use on a beach. The mat 100,being flexible, will substantially conform to a contour of the surfaceon which it is placed. In accordance with an illustrative embodiment ofthe invention wherein the mat 100 is used as a bunker training device,the golf ball is placed on the sand without using a tee, to therebysimulate the actual conditions encountered in a bunker, at a prescribeddistance from the mat. The player then attempts to “chip” the ball ontothe mat 100 and into the cup 114. A flag or similar marker placed in ornear the opening 108 may be used to help align the ball to the cup 114.The number of strokes needed to get the ball into the cup 114 willdecrease with practice as the player continues to develop his or herskills in successfully navigating through the bunker.

By way of example only and without limitation, FIG. 2 conceptuallydepicts an illustrative configuration 200 for using the bunker trainingmat 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B as part of an exemplary gamingmethodology, according to an embodiment of the invention. With referenceto FIG. 2, the configuration comprises the bunker training mat 100 ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, including three defined regions 102, 104 and 106, andopening 108, as previously described. A flag 202 may be placed in ornear the opening 108 as a means of marking the opening for ballalignment purposes, as previously stated. Optionally, a cup (e.g., cup114 in FIG. 1B) or similar containment means may be placed in theopening 108 for catching the ball when it passes through the opening. Ahole may be dug in the ground suitably sized to receive the cup therein,or the ground itself may serve as the containment means, and thetraining mat 100 is placed over the ground such that an opening of thecup (or hole) is substantially aligned with the opening 108 in the mat.

In this embodiment, a first boundary line 204 is established at a firstprescribed distance from the opening 108, for example about ten feetfrom an outer front edge of the training mat 100; here, the front edgeis defined as the edge directly adjacent to and facing the players. Thefirst boundary line 204 is preferably of a suitable length to extendbeyond the size of the training mat 100 (e.g., about ten feet), and canbe formed in essentially any manner, such as using rope, wood, or thelike; alternatively, the boundary line may formed by simply drawing aline in the sand/dirt. When using rope, for instance, stakes 206 areplaced into the ground at opposing ends of the rope, with the ropeattached to the stakes and pulled taut to thereby create the boundaryline 204. The first boundary line 204 defines a minimum (i.e., closest)distance at which players may place a ball in attempting to shoot forthe opening 108. Furthermore, a height of the first boundary line 204above the ground is preferably adjusted as desired (e.g., about onefoot) to create an obstacle over which the player must chip the ball toreach the mat 100; the greater the height, the greater the difficulty inreaching the mat. In a multiple-player embodiment (e.g., a two-playerconfiguration, as shown), a second boundary line 208 may be used betweeneach player as a means of defining respective areas from which eachplayer will shoot.

A third boundary line 210 may be established at a second prescribeddistance from the opening 108, for example about five feet from an outerback edge of the training mat 100; here, the back edge is defined as theedge facing away from the players. The third boundary line 210, whichcan be formed in a manner consistent with the first boundary line 204(e.g., using rope and stakes 206), is used to delineate an out-of-boundsarea. One or more additional boundary lines (e.g., side boundary lines,not explicitly shown but implied), established substantiallyperpendicular to the first boundary line 204, can be used to furtherdefine the out-of-bounds area.

As previously stated, the bunker training mat 100 is preferably used asa target (e.g., bull's-eye), with each of the first, second and thirdregions 102, 104 and 106, respectively, of the mat representing aprescribed point value. For example, in one embodiment, the first region102, which is furthest from the center opening 108, is assigned a firstpoint value (e.g., two points), the second region 104 next closest tothe center opening is assigned a second point value (e.g., threepoints), and the third region 106, which is closest to the opening, isassigned a third point value (e.g., four points). When a ball lands inthe cup, or otherwise passes through the opening 108, a fourth pointvalue (e.g., five points) is assigned. If the ball lands in one of thedesignated regions of the mat but then bounces off the mat 100,remaining in-bounds, a fifth point value, which is less than any of thepoint values indicative of a region on the mat (e.g., one point), can beassigned. Thus, as an illustration, when a player lands the ball on thesecond region 104, he or she would receive three points; a hole-in-onewould receive five points, etc. Of course, these point assignments aremerely illustrative, and various alternative point assignments can beused, as will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Additionally,when further accuracy is desired, the bunker training mat 100 may bedivided into more than three regions, as previously stated, with eachregion being smaller in size. Such an embodiment would enable a broaderspectrum of point assignments to be used. In accordance with one or moreembodiments, the point value assigned to a player for a given shotincreases as a distance to the opening 108 decreases.

In an illustrative bunker training game according to one or moreembodiments of the invention, the balls used by each player (e.g.,player 1 or player 2) may comprise, for example, one or more “points”balls 212, which are scored according to a first (normal) pointassignment scheme, and one or more “bonus/wager” balls 214, which arescored according to a second point assignment scheme which is differentthan the first point assignment scheme. This second point assignment canbe used to create an added incentive for performing with a higher degreeof proficiency for a shot which uses the bonus ball 214. The balls maybe colored differently, indicative of the point assignment schemeassociated therewith. In one illustrative embodiment, the bonus ball 214may double the point value assigned to a given region in which the balllands. For example, when a bonus ball 214 is chipped and lands in region104, six points may be awarded, rather than the three points awardedusing the first point assignment scheme corresponding to a points ball212. It is to be appreciated that while two sets of balls 212, 214 andcorresponding point assignment schemes are used in this example,embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific number ofpoint assignment schemes utilized, and that a basic (e.g., beginner)bunker training game may use a single point assignment scheme.

As previously stated, embodiments of the invention are not limited to acircularly-shaped bunker training device. By way of illustration onlyand without limitation, FIG. 3A is a top plan view depicting anexemplary golf bunker training aid, according to another embodiment ofthe invention. With reference to FIG. 3A, the bunker training aid, inthis embodiment, is implemented as a substantially rectangular mat 300comprising at least first and second regions, 302 and 304, respectively,and an opening 306 formed within the second region. The opening 306 isappropriately sized to receive a golf ball. The second region 304 isformed within the first region 302 and is shaped, in this embodiment, astwo circles placed adjacent to one another and substantially resemblinga number “8.” By way of example only and without limitation, in anillustrative embodiment, the first region 302 is formed having a width,W, of about 2.6 feet and a length, L, of about 4 feet, each of theadjacent circles forming the second region 304 has a diameter of about1.3 feet, and the opening 306 is formed having a diameter of about fourinches.

The mat 300 may optionally include a third region 308 formed within thefirst region 302 which is suitable for displaying advertising indicia,such as a company name, slogan, logo, or the like. This third region 308may, in one or more embodiments, function as an added obstacle forincreasing the difficulty of play.

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view depicting the exemplary golf bunkertraining aid shown in FIG. 3A taken along line 2-2′, according to anembodiment of the invention. The mat 300, in one or more embodiments, isfabricated having a bottom supporting layer or substrate 310 formed in amanner consistent with the substrate 110 shown in FIG. 1B. A thicknessof the substrate 310 can vary as a matter of design choice, taking intoaccount trade-offs such as the desired degree of flexibility and weight.It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention are notlimited to any specific material type or thickness of the substrate 310.

A top surface 312 of the training mat 300 is supported by the substrate310 and includes the first, second and third regions 302, 304 and 308,respectively. The first and second regions 302, 304, may comprisematerial designed to mimic grass or dirt, such as, for example,artificial turf, carpet (e.g., polypropylene, polyester or nylonfibers), and the like, and can be colored appropriately (e.g., green).The first and second 302, 304, in this embodiment, are attached to thesubstrate 310, such as with an adhesive, or alternative process (e.g.,heat bonded) known in the art. The thickness and type of material usedfor each of the first, second and third regions 302, 304, 308 are notcritical. Moreover, the respective thicknesses and types of material ofthe first, second and third regions 302, 304, 308 need not be the same.In the embodiment shown, for example, a thickness or pile of the firstregion 302 is less than a pile of the second region 304, although anyconfiguration of thicknesses of the regions can be similarly used.

In order to catch and hold the golf ball once it passes through theopening 306, a cup 314 or similar container (e.g., basket) may beoptionally employed. The cup 314 can be fixedly or removably attached tothe top surface 312 and/or substrate 310 and is preferably formed in amanner consistent with the cup 114 shown in FIG. 1B.

In the event that a beach or other sand environment is not readilyavailable, the bunker training mat can be used in conjunction with aportable bunker apparatus. FIGS. 4A and 4B are top plan andcross-sectional (taken along line 3-3′) views, respectively, depictingan exemplary portable golf bunker 400 suitable for use in conjunctionwith the golf bunker training aid shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A and 3B,according to an embodiment of the invention. The portable golf bunker400 comprises a supporting base 402 having an opening therein forreceiving a vessel or container 404 in which sand 406, or a suitablealternative material simulating a sand trap, is held. An upper surfaceof the supporting base 402 is optionally covered with a layer ofartificial grass 408, or similar turf material (e.g., carpet, olefinpile, etc.) at least partially surrounding the container 404. Additionalopenings 410 placed in the upper surface of the supporting base 402 canbe used to insert stakes or pegs therein for creating a boundary line412, which is formed of rope, for instance.

The upper surface of the supporting base 402, in this embodiment, issized appropriately to allow one or more players to stand on theartificial grass 408 while attempting to chip the ball onto the bunkertraining mat (not shown in FIG. 4A or 4B). The supporting base 402 canbe fabricated using essentially any substantially rigid material capableof holding a prescribed amount of weight representative of a player(e.g., 250 pounds), including, but not limited to, wood, metal and/orplastic, as will be known by those skilled in the art. The base 402, forexample, can be fabricate as a single unit (e.g., using an injectionmolding process), or it can be fabricated as separate components (e.g.,top piece and four side pieces) that are attached using a knownfastening means (e.g., screws, nails, glue, etc.). In one or moreembodiments, the supporting base 402 is formed of wood pieces assembledtogether using screws. The container 404 is sized appropriately tocreate a surface for hitting the golf ball which closely mimics a sandtrap. The container 404 can be fabricated using essentially anysubstantially rigid or semi-rigid material capable of holding aprescribed amount and weight of sand 406, including, but not limited to,wood, metal, fabric and/or plastic, as will be known by those skilled inthe art. In one or more embodiments, the container 404 is formed as asolid plastic vessel having a depth of about two to four inches. It isto be understood that the dimensions and type of materials used to formthe supporting base 402 and the container 404 are not critical tooperation of the invention.

The base 402 may include one or more adjustable base supports (i.e.,feet) 414 attached to a bottom surface of the base. The base supports414 may be fabricated using, for example, rubber, metal, etc., althoughembodiments of the invention are limited to any specific type ofmaterial. In one or more embodiments, at least two adjustable basesupports 414 are used which are operative to simulate an uphill ordownhill lie of the ball as the ball is played from an upper surface ofthe sand 406.

By way of example only and without limitation, a bunker training gameaccording to an embodiment of the invention is played with two or moreplayers, with the first player to reach a prescribed score being thewinner. In a course play game, nine or eighteen rounds are played. Ineach round, the players chip a single ball until it lands on the bunkertraining mat (e.g., training mat 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). Todetermine a score for a given round, the player subtracts the amount ofswings it took the player to chip the ball onto the training mat fromthe number of points corresponding to the portion of the mat on whichthe ball lands. As an example, assume that for a player's first chip,the ball lands near the mat, and that a second chip place the ball onthe three-point region of the mat. The player's score for this roundwould be one point, determined by subtracting the number of chips ittakes to place the ball on the mat (2) by the number of pointsassociated with the portion of the mat on which the ball lands (3).

The difficulty of game play can be adjusted depending upon the skilllevel of the players. For example, in accordance with one or moreembodiments, the simulated bunker from which the ball is chipped (e.g.,just behind boundary line 204 in FIG. 2) can be dug deeper, the firstboundary line (e.g., boundary 204 in FIG. 2) can be made higher, thedistance between the simulated bunker and the bunker training mat can beincreased, the size of the bunker training mat can be decreased thusproviding a smaller target, and an uphill or downhill lie can be createdin the sand. When using the portable golf bunker 400 shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B, the base supports 414 can be adjusted to create an uphill ordownhill lie within the sand 406.

In accordance with another embodiment, the bunker training game isplayed with two or more players, with the first player to reach apredetermined number of points (e.g., nine) being the winner. Eachplayer is given four balls: three of the same color (e.g., white) andone of a different color (e.g., yellow). To determine a score for agiven round, a player chips one of the balls onto the training mat.Using the illustrative bunker training mat 300 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B,an exemplary scoring methodology comprises assigning a first number ofpoints (e.g., one point) for a ball touching the mat and then rollingoff, assigning a second number of points (e.g., two points) for a ballstaying on the first region of the mat (region 302 in FIG. 3A; i.e.,anywhere on the mat outside of the second region 304), and assigning athird number of points (e.g., three points) for a ball staying anywhereon the second region (region 304 in FIG. 3A). For a ball landing in thehole/cup (306 in FIG. 3A or 314 in FIG. 3B), the player automaticallywins the round. A round ends when all four balls are played, at whichpoint the player having the highest score wins, or when a player reachesthe prescribed score. The different colored ball (e.g., yellow) is wortha prescribed higher number of points than the three balls of the samecolor and is essentially a points multiplier (e.g., double points), andis therefore considered a bonus ball. Optionally, if the ball lands inthe third/logo region (308 in FIG. 3A), the player is scored two pointsfor staying on the mat and receives an extra turn.

The practice balls with which the bunker training apparatus andmethodology according to embodiments of the disclosure may be used areformed of essentially any material. Suitable materials for forming thepractice balls include, but are not limited to, wood, rubber, plastic,etc. In one or more embodiments, the practice balls are formed of foam.Using a foam practice ball reduces the likelihood of injury and alsoreduces the flight distance of the ball.

The illustrations of embodiments of the invention described herein areintended to provide a general understanding of the structure of variousembodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all the elements and features of apparatus and methodsthat might make use of the elements and/or steps described herein. Manyother embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art giventhe teachings herein; other embodiments are utilized and derivedtherefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changescan be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thedrawings are also merely representational and are not drawn to scale.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Embodiments of the invention are referred to herein, individually and/orcollectively, by the term “embodiment” merely for convenience andwithout intending to limit the scope of this application to any singleembodiment or inventive concept if more than one is, in fact, shown.Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be understood that an arrangement achieving the samepurpose can be substituted for the specific embodiment(s) shown; thatis, this disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations orvariations of various embodiments. Combinations of the aboveembodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein,will become apparent to those of skill in the art given the teachingsherein.

The abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), whichrequires an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain thenature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with theunderstanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scopeor meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect,inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a singleembodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into theDetailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separatelyclaimed subject matter.

Given the teachings of embodiments of the invention provided herein, oneof ordinary skill in the art will be able to contemplate otherimplementations and applications of the techniques of embodiments of theinvention. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that embodiments of the invention are not limited to thoseprecise embodiments, and that various other changes and modificationsare made therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable golf training apparatus for enhancinga player's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard, theapparatus comprising: a substantially flexible base; at least first andsecond regions formed on an upper surface of, and supported by, thebase, the first region having a first cross-sectional thickness and thesecond region having a second cross-sectional thickness; and an openingformed in at least one of the first and second regions, the openingbeing adapted to receive a ball with which the golf training apparatusis used; wherein the player, shooting the ball from an area outside ofthe golf training apparatus, is assigned a prescribed point value as afunction of a location on the golf training apparatus on which the balllands.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second region is formedat least partially within the first region, and the opening is formed atleast partially within the second region.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a third region formed on the base and having a thirdcross-sectional thickness, the third region being adapted to displayadvertising indicia.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least onecharacteristic of an upper surface of the first region is differentrelative to a corresponding at least one characteristic of an uppersurface of the second region, such that a movement of the ball isaffected differently as a function of the region over which the ballmoves.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least onecharacteristic of the upper surface of each of the first and secondregions comprises at least one of material type, hardness, texture, andpile.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a containerattached to the golf training apparatus and adapted to receive and holdthe ball after said ball passes through the opening.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the container is formed having a lip along acircumference of a top edge thereof which is configured to prevent saidcontainer from passing completely through the opening when the containeris inserted through the opening from an upper surface of the golftraining apparatus.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the containeris adapted to be removably attached to the golf training apparatus. 9.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second regions arecircularly shaped and are concentric to one another.
 10. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the first and second cross-sectional thicknesses aresubstantially equal to one another.
 11. A portable golf hazard apparatusfor use in conjunction with a golf training apparatus for enhancing aplayer's skills relating to overcoming a golf course hazard, the golfhazard apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid base having anopening therein for receiving a container adapted to hold a materialsimulating a sand trap; and at least a first base support attached to abottom surface of the base, the first base support comprising a heightadjustment mechanism for controlling an angle of an upper surface of thebase relative to a surface upon which the portable golf hazard apparatusis placed.
 12. The golf hazard apparatus of claim 11, further comprisinga layer of turf material formed on an upper surface of the base and atleast partially surrounding the opening.
 13. The golf hazard apparatusof claim 12, wherein the turf material comprises artificial grass. 14.The golf hazard apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least asecond base support attached to the bottom surface of the base andlaterally disposed from the first base support, the second base supportcomprising a height adjustment mechanism, wherein adjustment of a heightof the first and second base supports is configured to simulate one ofan uphill lie and a downhill lie of a ball as said ball is played froman upper surface of the material simulating the sand trap.
 15. A methodof play for a golf training game, the method comprising: providing aportable golf training apparatus, the golf training apparatus including:a flexible base; at least first and second regions formed on an uppersurface of, and supported by, the base, the first region having a firstcross-sectional thickness and the second region having a secondcross-sectional thickness; and an opening formed in at least one of thefirst and second regions, the opening being adapted to receive a golfball; placing said portable golf training apparatus at a prescribeddistance from a player of said golf training game; shooting the golfball by the player of said golf training game, from an area at theprescribed distance from the portable golf training apparatus in adirection toward said portable golf training apparatus; and assigning aprescribed point value to the player as a function of a location on thegolf training apparatus on which the golf ball lands.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the prescribed point value assigned to the player fora given shot increases as a distance from the location on the golftraining apparatus on which the golf ball lands to the opening in theportable golf training apparatus.
 17. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising: repeating the steps of shooting the golf ball and assigninga prescribed point value to the player for each of multiple golf balls;and determining a score of a given round of play based on addingtogether the respective point values assigned for the multiple golfballs.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising designating afirst subset of the multiple golf balls which are scored according to afirst point assignment scheme, and designating a second subset of themultiple golf balls which are scored according to a second pointassignment scheme, the second point assignment scheme being differentthan the first point assignment scheme.
 19. The method of claim 15,further comprising placing an obstacle between the player and theportable golf training apparatus, the obstacle being configured toincrease a difficulty level to the player of shooting the golf ball intothe opening in the golf training apparatus.
 20. The method of claim 19,further comprising controlling the difficulty level by controlling atleast one of a vertical height and a horizontal width of said obstacle.